The Arrangement

Chapter Eighty-One

Carter

A low chuckle comes from me as I watch Blair and Henley argue at the table, going back and forth like children over a game of monopoly.

As I sit back and watch the scene unfold, a warm sense of contentment settles over me. Blair and Henley's playful argument over a game of Monopoly is a refreshing departure from our usual high-profile lifestyle. It's amusing to see them bicker like children, their laughter and banter filling the room with a lighthearted energy that's infectious.

It's strange, despite bringing women in before, I think this is the first time we've done anything like this. It's usually all Michelin star restaurants, charity events or extravagant parties. Whereas with Blair it's the complete opposite.

Don't get me wrong she deserves that extravagance and I wish we'd really got chance to give her that experience. But I think I'd choose nights like this over anything else.

This time away may have been a complete shit show for the majority of the time, despite the chaos and unpredictability of this time away from our usual routines, it's been a blessing in disguise. It's forced us to slow down, to step back from our hectic schedules, and to truly be present with one another. Work through challenges that have always been present in our relationship.

There's no denying Blair has managed to heal us in ways I don't think any of us would have been able to comprehend. Her presence has brought a new dynamic into our lives, one that emphasizes simplicity and genuine connection. It's something I didn't realize we needed until now. She's helped us reconnect on a deeper level..Her ability to draw us out of our shells and into moments like these is nothing short of remarkable. It's as if she's managed to weave herself into the very fabric of our group, bringing out the best in each of us.

"I saw you!" She hisses waving the corkscrew at him like she's fully poised to use it as a weapon.

Henley leans back in his chair with that cocky grin of his as he raises his hands defensively. "I don't know what you're talking about sunshine," he replies coolly.

He's lying, we all know he is. I even saw him sneak the money out of the box but watching Blair confront him is way too entertaining to cut in.

"Don't you sunshine me!" Blair shrieks reaching across the table.

As she does Henley does the same, easily overpowering her as he heaves her over the table, sending the monopoly board and all its pieces crashing to the floor. Blair yelps but doesn't even attempt to put up any resistance as he lifts her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room.

Lennox trails after them, his laughter mingling with Blair's protests, leaving Ashton and me behind. We share a look, both of us grinning like fools. Ashton, who has been noticeably more at ease today, seems to have found a sense of peace in this new normal. His smiles come easier now, a reflection of the healing Blair has inadvertently brought into our lives.

We haven't spoken about what happened between him, Blair and Henley. And frankly I don't need to know when it's clearly resulted in a positive outcome. He's happy and not tearing himself apart. Which is all that matters.

His expression is light and comforting but after a moment of holding my gaze it shifts into one of unease, his gaze drifting back to where Blair's laughter still flows in to us. Sighing his shoulders sag and I think I already know what's coming before he says a single word.

"We can't let her go, Carter. You need to make her stay." He says as he meets my gaze again and the solemnness in his tone has my chest tightening.

I take a deep breath, preparing myself to have the exact same conversation I've had with Henley and Lennox already today. Both of them coming to me to say the exact same thing. The same desperation and need in their tones too.

"Ashton," I begin, my voice steady but gentle, "we agreed to let her leave, we can't go back on that. Not now." The words leave a sour taste on my tongue. My usual need to control the situation rearing its ugly head.

"But we don't know that she still wants to leave" he bites back, the first flash of his anger shower through, an anger that's been dormant for days.

I take a moment to collect my thoughts, understanding that his reaction isn't solely about Blair's potential departure. It's about the fear of losing something precious, something that has brought light into our lives when we needed it most. His frustration is palpable, a mix of helplessness and longing that I can't ignore.

"I get it," I say softly, meeting his gaze with understanding. "We've all felt the shift she's brought into our lives. But we can't make assumptions about what Blair wants or feels."

He shakes his head, the anger giving way to something more vulnerable. "But what if she's waiting for a reason to stay? What if she thinks we don't care enough to ask her to stick around?"

I don't get chance to reply as Blair bursts into the room like a whirlwind, her energy somehow managing to cut through the tension that had been building between Ashton and me. Her cheeks are flushed, and her hair, tousled in a chaotic array, gives her an endearing quality. For a brief moment, I'm caught off guard by her exuberance, the heaviness of our conversation momentarily lifted by her presence.

"I'm just going to change and get packed, then I thought we could all watch a movie?" She announces as Lennox and Henley appear behind her. The two of them giving me the same intense glare that Ashton is.

"Great idea," I reply, keeping my voice upbeat.

She looks from me to Ashton and back again her head tilting slightly as she arches a brow, seemingly picking up on the tension in the room.

"Oh god please don't tell me you're arguing, everything's so perfect for our last day" she groans completely unaware that she's answered the same question we've all been asking.

It's evident Blair has every intention of leaving and in a rare move for myself I'm not going to force her to do anything. Even though every fibre in my being is screaming at me to.

If she wants to leave then we're going to let her go.

We've made a lot of mistakes in the last couple of weeks I won't let this be one of them.

I force a somewhat convincing smile and roll my eyes, "no arguing, we were just about to tell you Henley shoved the money down his pants" I say shifting her attention away.

She instantly spins round to glare at him. "See I knew it!" She shouts and proceeds to quite literally shove her hands down his pants in search for it.

The laughter that comes from us is tight but none of us say a single word about her leaving, instead it's as if we all silently agree to let her go.